In last night's match-up against the University of Illinois Fighting Illini, the roaring cheers and feelings of excitement were obvious in one particular group at the Bryce Jordan Center (BJC).

The crazy, dedicated fans sitting in section 122 are Penn State's Nittwits, the heart and soul of the men's basketball team.

The Nittwits, a student club that was created last spring, is dedicated to promoting enthusiasm and support at all Nittany Lion basketball games.

Graphic Design Chair Justin Casavant said he believes the crowds have a tremendous impact on the outcome of the game at sporting events.

"Now if I were the only one who was screaming my head off, it wouldn't do any good and I'd just look like a fool," he said. "But when mass amounts of people are rallied behind a team and show their support dynamically and vocally, amazing things can happen."

The Nittwits arrive at the BJC when the gates open, ready to tease the opposing team and give the Nittany Lions the encouragement they need.

Nittwits Gameday Chair Jennifer Owsiany said she wants to channel the spirit from the Penn State football games to the basketball games.

"It's just fun to paint your face, wear a wig and go crazy," she said. "Our men work hard out there on the court and they deserve to be cheered on."

At every game, the Nittwits hand out Forty Minutes, the premiere student section gameday newsletter in the nation.

Forty Minutes Chair Jared Smith said he has been extremely pleased with the club and especially all the attention Forty Minutes has received from fans, players and coaches.

"In last week's game, instead of shooting and warming up, the Ohio State University players all sat and started reading Forty Minutes," Smith said. "Eventually, the managers came out and read them too."

The ultimate goal of the Nittwits is to bring a sense of pride and interest back to Penn State's basketball program.

Nittwits Secretary Christa Wentworth said the Nittwits are all about meeting new people and simply enjoying the game of basketball.

"I love promoting Penn State spirit and this was an organization that needed help," she said. "We want to make our student section something that other teams fear ... we want teams to be afraid to play in the BJC."

The Nittwits hope that Forty Minutes and the growing awareness about the club will encourage students to come to all of the basketball games.

Nittwits President Jason Mattia said that even though the Nittwits are a new club, he hopes they will grow and become well known quickly.

"I can't wait until the day that the entire student section will be the Nittwits. Period," he said.